Building a Strong Coalition: Community Leaders Network and Malagasy Associations and Organizations Unite for Sustainable Resource Management

Octobre 16, 2024

The recent workshop on October 8-9 in Antananarivo, Madagascar, organized by the Community Leaders Network (CLN) and hosted by Natiora Defenders, in collaboration with the MIHARI Network and Beolobe NGO, was a pivotal step toward uniting local organizations and stakeholders. The event brought together representatives from sectors such as marine and terrestrial ecosystems, forestry, gender, and agriculture, as well as governmental authorities. Notable associations included WWF, WCS, Natural Justice, and Ocean Defenders Madagascar. With 46 participants on the first day and 37 on the second, the workshop aimed to align these groups in the development of a national strategy for community-based natural resource management.

During the two days, participants engaged in group work and brainstorming sessions focused on the formulation of a roadmap. They were divided into teams to work on several key elements, including the project title, the definition of general and specific objectives, and the necessary activities to achieve these goals. The result of these discussions was the collective decision to establish the National Network for Community-Based Natural Resource Management (GRNBC) in Madagascar. This network will aim to create a unified and collaborative platform. To achieve this, participants identified key objectives: mobilizing stakeholders, developing a strategic framework, strengthening the capacities of communities involved, and promoting the sustainability and funding of the network.

On the first day, all representatives from NGOs and associations started with a showcase of their engagement toward local communities. This was followed by group discussions focused on the challenges faced by different organizations, proposed solutions, and the obstacles preventing them from achieving these solutions. Participants also shared best practices and lessons learned, while voicing their expectations from the CLN, hoping the network could help bridge gaps in resources, guidance, and support. Day two shifted focus to more concrete planning. After defining the goals, participants delved into potential funding mechanisms to ensure the long-term viability of the GRNBC. Each group contributed by exploring financial avenues, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the workshop.

The event was honorably attended by CLN’s leadership, with Birga Kalomoh, CLN Coordinator, and Rodgers Lubilo, CLN Chairperson for Southern Africa, providing insights and guidance throughout the discussions. For more information about the Community Leaders Network and their work, visit Community Leaders Network website .

As a key outcome, this workshop laid the foundation for the creation of a National Network for Community-Based Natural Resource Management, with all participating stakeholders committed to working together in the coming months to bring this vision to achievement. This unified effort marks a significant milestone in Madagascar’s journey toward more sustainable and inclusive resource management.